Should I put a filter on my air intake?

Filters should also be installed in fresh-air intakes to clean the outside air that is brought into the home. However, regardless of the MERV rating, a dirty or clogged filter can dramatically reduce air flow, which increases the furnace’s run time, which, in turn, increases wear on the motor and energy consumption.

Do you put filters in intake vents?

Should you use a filter in your return vent? For most homes, return vents filters are suggested. They typically won’t cause any damage to your HVAC system and are easy to install – there’s no need for an HVAC technician.

Do I need both a furnace filter and a return air grill filter?

While many people refer to air conditioning and furnace filters as if they’re different, this is not the case. Your furnace and your air conditioning system use the exact same filter, so there’s no need to worry about purchasing separate filters for each piece of equipment.

Do furnace vent filters work?

In short, the answer is yes. Vent filters do work, and they do fulfill their job of removing impurities from the air that enters your home through the central air system. If you feel that the air entering your home is not clean, you should check the HVAC filter before you install vent filters.

Should a cold air return have a filter?

Your AC system should have a proper fitting filter on the return side. By placing a good fitting, high quality filter on the return vent, you will remove particles from the air before they can enter the AC system. A good filter will keep your air handling unit, coils, and ducts clean.

Do air vent filters restrict airflow?

The biggest drawback of vent filters is restricted airflow. Filters slow the passage of air. As particles build up on them, the amount of obstruction increases. This can cause your system to work harder, using up more power and potentially overheating components.

How do I know if my return air is working?

Try this simple test when your HVAC system is running: get a piece of tissue paper and dangle it about six inches from one of the return vents. You should be able to see it being gently pulled towards the vent. Next, place it up against return vent and see if the air suction holds it in place.

What does a return vent look like?

You can identify return vents by turning on the system fan and holding your hand or a piece of paper up. If the paper is pulled toward the vent or you feel a suction effect, it’s a return vent.

Does my furnace have 2 filters?

Your furnace filter will most likely be found in the blower of your furnace. Vertical HVAC unit with air moving downwards – Your air filter will be in the top door, where the blower is located. This type of furnace or AC unit will most likely require two filters.

Are vent filters a good idea?

Vent filters can be an excellent way to augment your main filter, and are useful for homes where your HVAC system remains off for much of the year. In such places, the filters help to reduce dust accumulation in the vents themselves.

Do vent filters help with allergies?

By adding air filters to your home’s vents, you’ll catch and remove any allergens before they reach your loved ones within your home. Those within your home will likely notice the difference in the air quality almost immediately, as their allergy symptoms are greatly reduced.

How do you clean cold air return vents?

Clean Out the Vents: Turn off your heat or A/C and cover furniture if your vents are in the ceiling. Vacuum your vents with a dust attachment, and then use a microfiber duster to loosen anything missed by the vacuum. Avoid using water and cleaning products, as they smear the dust around and turn it into a paste.

What is the best air filter for a furnace?

High efficiency pleated filters are the best air filters you can use in your furnace. Their design uses electrostatically charged fibers to attract and hold dust, allergens and even tiny smoke particles.

Should my furnace have an air filter?

While AC and furnace units do a decent job of filtering air impurities on their own, return vent filters can aid in this by acting as the first line of defense. Granted, regular air filters have their use but a secondary option could be the step you need to keep your HVAC system clean and efficient.

What is the purpose of a filter in a furnace?

The main purpose of a furnace filter is to protect the blower fan from all the dust, hair and other gunk the return duct pulls in. While it will also help the quality of your inside air (as it is removing contaminants from being recirculated), its job is not to actually clean your air as many people believe.

Is a filter necessary to run a furnace?

Is a filter necessary to run a furnace? No, a filter is not necessary but without the filter, the air quality will be very low. First, the dirt that accumulates in the furnace may damage it, and second the dirt gets dumped in the air can cause great health issues to a person. A furnace filled with dirt produces heat harder than usual.